Forceps Extracting a Tooth
Reasons for Tooth Extractions
Do you need a tooth extracted? Don’t panic! Although your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are many reasons why tooth extraction may be required. You may have tooth that is too badly damaged from trauma or decay to be repaired. Other reasons include:
Overcrowding in your mouth
Infections (or Possibility of Infection for Immuno-comprised individuals)
Periodontal (Gum Disease)
What Happens During an Extraction?
The extraction process is actually a fairly quick and easy one. First, we’ll give you a local anesthetic to numb your mouth, so you don’t experience any discomfort during the procedure. If your tooth is impacted—or you’re having several teeth removed—you may also receive a general anesthetic to make you sleep during the procedure.
Once the tooth has been pulled, a blood clot usually forms in the socket. The dentist will pack a gauze pad into the socket and have you bite down on it to help stop the bleeding. In some cases, you will need a couple of stitches - typically the self-dissolving kind - to close the gum edges over the extraction site.
After we’ve performed the extraction and stopped the bleeding, you’ll be ready to head home.
How Long Will the Tooth Extraction Take?
If you’re having a single tooth extracted, the entire process can be completed in 20-30 minutes. However, if you’re having multiple teeth extracted, or if any of the teeth or impacted, you should expect to spend a little more time in our office. Every additional tooth extracted will take another 5-15 minutes of appointment time, depending on its location and condition.
Will I Be in Pain During the Extraction?
No. We will anesthetize the nerve fibers that transmit pain signals, so you won’t be in pain. You will, however, feel some pressure during the procedure. Although this feeling of pressure shouldn’t cause you to feel too much discomfort, we want you to know exactly what you can expect, so you can feel relaxed during the procedure.
After Your Tooth is Pulled
Following an extraction, your dentist will send you home to recover. Recovery typically takes a few days. We’ll ask that your daily dental routine resumes after a day with the formed blood clot, avoiding the extraction site. You should limit your activity and eat soft foods for a few days. Should you experience any pain or swelling, cold compresses as well as taking Tylenol as directed will help with the discomfort.
Here at Smile New Braunfels, your comfort is our goal. If you would like to set up an appointment, give us a call at 830-629-8011.